Body mass index and body fat percentage of male firefighters in Montenegro among different age groups

Background: Firefighting imposes extreme physical and psychological demands. Elevated body mass index (BMI) and high body fat percentage (FAT%) may impair operational performance and increase cardiometabolic risk. This study provides the first comprehensive, age-stratified analysis of BMI and FAT% among professional firefighters in Montenegro. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 148 male career firefighters (mean age 35.4 ± 11.3 years; range 20–60 years) from nine municipalities (Budva, Danilovgrad, Kolasin, Kotor, Mojkovac, Niksic, Pluzine, Podgorica, Zabljak) was assessed between April 2024 and February 2025. Anthropometric measures included body height, weight, and pectoral, abdominal, and front-thigh skinfolds. BMI was calculated (kg/m2), and FAT% estimated via the Jackson & Pollock three-site equation. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc tests and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) examined age-group differences (seven categories: <25, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, ≥50 years). Results: Mean BMI and FAT% were 28.05 ± 4.44 kg/m2 and 21.12 ± 8.15%, respectively—both in the over-weight/above-average ranges. Both indicators increased significantly with age (BMI: F = 3.071, p = 0.007; FAT%: F = 4.735, p < 0.001), with marked differences between firefighters <30 years and those ≥35 years. While BMI plateaued after age 45, FAT%continued to rise, suggesting age-related lean-mass loss. Conclusions: A majority of Montenegrin firefighters exceed recommended BMI and FAT% thresholds, with a clear age-related deterioration in body composition. We recommend implementing routine, career-long monitoring of body composition, coupled with targeted fitness and nutrition interventions, to enhance operational readiness and long-term health.